As loving pet owners, we take pride in the care and attention we give our furry companions. But some threats—like heartworm disease—operate silently and invisibly, progressing before we even know there’s a problem. At Camden Animal Hospital, we believe understanding how heartworms live and spread can lead to more pet owners preventing a disease that can do serious, lasting damage to their pets. Let’s break down the lifecycle of heartworms and why early, consistent prevention is the best protection.
From Mosquito to Heartworm: How Your Pet Gets Infected
The journey of a heartworm begins not inside your pet but inside a mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic larvae known as microfilariae. Over the next 10–14 days, those larvae mature into an infective stage within the mosquito.
When the mosquito bites another animal—your cat or dog—it deposits the infective larvae into the skin. These larvae then enter your pet’s bloodstream, starting a journey that will last several months and potentially threaten their life.
What Happens to Pets with Heartworm Disease
Once inside, heartworm larvae travel through your pet’s bloodstream toward the heart and lungs. It takes about 6 months for them to mature into adult worms. In dogs, these adult heartworms can grow up to a foot long and live for 5–7 years. Cats are less ideal hosts, but even a few worms can cause serious complications.
As heartworms mature and reproduce, they release more microfilariae into the bloodstream, setting the stage for mosquitoes to bite again and continue the cycle. This ongoing process causes inflammation, damages vital organs, and interferes with circulation and breathing.
Heartworm disease is a progressive condition. In dogs, it can lead to:
- Chronic coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Heart failure
In cats, symptoms may be more subtle or sudden and include vomiting, coughing, or even collapse. Tragically, sudden death is sometimes the first sign in felines.
Without early detection and treatment, heartworms multiply and damage a pet’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems, often beyond repair.
Stopping the Cycle Before It Starts with Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is scary, but it’s also preventable. Prevention works by stopping the larvae from maturing into adult worms. Monthly preventives eliminate these larvae before they can cause harm. During an annual veterinary wellness exam, you should talk to your vet about:
- Annual heartworm testing – Even pets on prevention need to be tested yearly.
- Consistent monthly prevention – Skipping doses can leave your pet unprotected.
- Vet-guided prevention plans – Every pet is unique. Discuss what works for your pet.
Visit Camden Animal Hospital to Prevent Heartworm Disease
By understanding the lifecycle of heartworms, you’re one step closer to keeping your pet safe from a disease that’s both invisible and deadly. Prevention isn’t just easier—it’s far more humane and cost-effective than treatment. Let Camden Animal Hospital be your partner in staying ahead of heartworm disease and giving your pet a healthier future.
Have questions about heartworm prevention? Contact us to schedule your pet’s heartworm test and set up a year-round prevention plan at our vet clinic in Camden, AR.
